becoming a PCA member

janny108 · Oct 9, 2005

Hi,
How does one become a new member at PCA church? What specifically do I need to read? What happens when I call the pastor for an appt? He said I needed to read something and then call him for an appt. Do I have to stand up in church when I become a "member"?
thanks
Jan

janny108 · Oct 9, 2005

Who here became a member of PCA also that belonged to another denom previously?
Jan

CCWoody · Oct 9, 2005

Seems like I just did this a few weeks ago.

Good Lord, what did I just do? I joined the "Frozen Chozen!"

Well, sister, I just called the teaching elder, had lunch with him, and showed up at his church 48 hours later.

You are not required to subscribe the Westminster Confession, which may be good for me, considering that I am still describing myself as a credoBaptist. It is that whole expression of the covenant by infant Baptism thing, though I am currently in their leadership group studying the WC and that issue.

Cajun Huguenot · Oct 10, 2005

janny108 said:
Hi,
How does one become a new member at PCA church? What specifically do I need to read? What happens when I call the pastor for an appt? He said I needed to read something and then call him for an appt. Do I have to stand up in church when I become a "member"?
thanks
Jan

Hello Jan,

I've been in the PCA for a long time. You do need to understand that we take church membership seriously. When you join the church you come under they spiritual authority of the elders who are responsible before God for you. Because of that we (I hope all PCA churches) take authority and church discipline seriously. Many churches today do not take spiritual oversight and biblical church discipline seriously.

Perhaps that is what he wants you to understand. You do not have to subscribe to the confession or agree with such fundamental items like Calvinism and paedobaptism, because the Churcis Christ Church and imembership is open to all Christians who claim Christ as Lord.

I wish you well,
Kenith

janny108 · Oct 10, 2005

Thanks both of you for responding. I have been a member of churches before and I understand about church membership. I think membership protects people in a way. Ex. I was at a large church (nondenom) and there was never any talk openly about membership. Well while we were there, our daughter was in childrens church and after some time she did not want to go there anymore. We were a little puzzled cause everyone seemed so nice. We went to an EAster service held at an auditorium and we saw her teacher. She sat one or two rows ahead of us and she and her "friend" started necking and stuff, like they were lesbians! Right in the auditorium! Then we understood. We prayed about that, and even though people have to fill out a ministry questionaire to apply to teach the kids, that is not the same as being a church member.

Actually in the PCA, I feel "safer" in that regard. I am considering becoming a member here.

Jan

Jan

JimfromOhio · Oct 10, 2005

janny108 said:
Hi,
How does one become a new member at PCA church? What specifically do I need to read? What happens when I call the pastor for an appt? He said I needed to read something and then call him for an appt. Do I have to stand up in church when I become a "member"?
thanks
Jan

We talked with an elder and one of the pastors at this PCA church. I think most PCA local churches have their own "membership" classes. This church did, so we attended and learned what this church is expected from members and at the same time, what members are expected from the church. Being member of a local church is being part of the family. We need to take care of each other spiritually as well as physically.

Jim

rmwilliamsll · Oct 11, 2005

take a little bit of time and read some of the links discovered with
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=inquirer's+class+pca+membership&btnG=Google+Search

google search on:
inquirer's class pca membership

i think you will be more informed and pleasantly surprised.
most PCA's sessions take their responsibilities seriously and these pages often reflect that concern.

Augustine_Was_Calvinist · Oct 11, 2005

janny108 said:
Hi,
How does one become a new member at PCA church? What specifically do I need to read? What happens when I call the pastor for an appt? He said I needed to read something and then call him for an appt. Do I have to stand up in church when I become a "member"?
thanks
Jan

He may have been referring to a new members study package, which many PCA churches use in a new members class.

becoming a PCA member

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